City’s Fairtrade Campaign - ‘On Side’
Bradford’s Fairtrade Zone project received a boost when 60 young people aged 12 – 16 from the city’s diverse communities came together for a five-a-side football tournament. The tournament aimed to create awareness about the importance of Fairtrade as well as build community cohesion among the diverse ethnic and faith groups.
Held in the Manningham Sports Centre during Fairtrade Fortnight in March 2005, the tournament also made an innovative and accessible contribution towards the city’s goal of making Bradford a Fairtrade Zone.
Agencies, including AFC, Christian Aid, Islamic Relief and Save the Children, all came together to make the day happen. It was sponsored by the United Cooperatives Ltd. who gave Fairtrade footballs to the members of the winning teams, and Fairtrade fruit to all. The Deputy Lord Mayor Mayor was chief guest; he gave support to the teams and presented winner medals.
John D Anderson, the Chair of Fairtrade Bradford, is proud of the tournament’s success:
“Apart from the buzz of enjoyment from the participants, the value of the day was clear in that a group of youngsters learned about Fairtrade, and an enduring working partnership was begun between Christian Aid and Islamic Relief. AFC promoted inter-relationships between faith communities by its participation.”
Bradford is now an official Fairtrade Zone
